Improv in Portland

Improv comedy, like all good and true things, is thriving in Portland, Oregon. Here is a semi-exhaustive collection of where you can see and/or get-all-up-in-that and/or learn improvisational comedy in our town.

THEATERS/VENUES

Curious Comedy TheaterThe mission of Curious Comedy Theater is to improve the lives of kids, adults, and seniors through the art of comedy. We intend to achieve our mission through:

Quality Comedy Programming – strive for the best, most consistent programs possible.Fostering Community – build strong, supportive, healthy relationships within the theater, in the comedy community, as well as in the greater Portland community and beyond.Unique and Courageous Approach – take risks and push boundaries in all aspects of our work and in the growth and development of our organization.

Exciting Items of Note:
Home to the Curious Comedy PlayersCagematch improv with ‘Friday Night Fights’Improvised musicals with ‘Pipes’The best improv “open mic” in town: ‘Open Court’

Brody Theater
The Brody’s double focus–on entertainment and experiment–marks it as a showcase for both audience-pleasing performances and cutting edge theatrical presentation.

Exciting Items of Note:Home to the Brody Theater EnsembleIncredible range of shows such as ‘Script Tease’ and ‘Odd Couples’ Standup/Improv mashup with ‘7 on 7’ The best All Pro Veteran Improv Jam known as ‘Diabolical Experiments’

CSz PortlandHome of ComedySportz, our flagship show – fast-paced, hilarious and clean improv comedy. Now in our 25th Season, with over 1260 straight weeks of performances, we are Portland’s longest running show.

We haven’t missed a weekend since May of 1993. Really.

Exciting Items of Note:ComedySportz performers are paid employee professionalsIncubator to After Hours shows such as ShakesProv, Mystery Science Tribute, Score!, Russell 2 Russell and many morePart of CSz Worldwide, with performers and teachers in 26 cities25th Anniversary in 2018

Kickstand Comedy SpaceKickstand Comedy is a performer run comedy space located on the second floor of the Siren Theater. Kickstand’s mission is to supply the Portland comedy scene with a performer run space and scene hub to experiment, collaborate, perform, and practice. Kickstand Comedy is a hate-free all-ages venue with beverage and concessions.

Exciting Items of Note:Home to the amazing indie improv showcase, ‘The Velodrome’Kick out your improv jams at the ‘MixTape JAM’

The Siren TheaterPortland’s sassiest ‘n’ brassiest theater dedicated to only the finest comedy productions. Shelley McLendon has created a space that now serves as the headquarters for smart and innovative comedy of all stripes, especially comedy of the improv variety. Go there now, so you can say you were there then.

The Ape
The Ape is a comedy-based theater & training ground committed to creating new work that ignites, engages, and entertains. We offer classes and workshops in long form improv, sketch comedy, writing, performance, and collaboration. The Ape’s training is deeply rooted in the belief that solid acting is the key to great comedic performances. We believe that by passionately pursuing the craft of improvisation with heart, intelligence, empathy, fun and mischief excellent theater will result. BEWARE! Comedy may be addictive.

Exciting Items of Note:We are an underground theater. Literally. We are in the basement of The Alberta AbbeyNon Virtual Reality. Analog EntertainmentStudy with working professionals! We have over 20 years experience working in New York City and Los Angeles TV, Film,Theater and ComedyAlumni: Upright Citizens Brigade NYC & LA, The Magnet, The P.I.T., The GroundlingsIf you bring you Mom, that’s on you.

Deep End Theater
The Deep End Theater is committed to exploring the theatrical road less traveled, with a focus on daring improvisational theater, devised and immersive theater. We are skilled actors, improvisers, teachers and comedians, actively broadening the horizons of traditional theater with new works, a unique perspective and deep passion. We aim to go deeper, play harder, reach further, and we invite you to join us.

Exciting Items of Note:Home to the Deep End Theater Ensemble & Deep End House TeamsImprov classes offered, using the “Sound Improv”(™) Technique developed by Domeka ParkerHome to “From Afar”, an improv jam featuring guests from far-off places, in the US and internationallyProud to be a women-run business